S/PLI/T: You recently started an art space collective, Killjoy, with other artist/curators from your class at PNCA. What is the relationship between your work as an artist and as a curator/organizer?Tessa Heck: Starting Killjoy has been a huge driver in staying motivated to be involved with Portland’s art scene outside of school. We have grown from peers in our program to colleagues in an alternative gallery space, which is something I am very proud of us for committing to. I believe being involved in the art community in this capacity has really given my studio practice a boost. I have been able to grown my network of artists whom I know personally. I think the best part of being an artist/curator has been the ability to give shows to emerging artists who are excited to have the experience and sharing our space with them.

S/: How has collaboration factored into your art practice?TH: Collaboration gives me a chance to lighten up in the studio. I enjoy the space to play and grow with another artist. Besides working with S/PLI/T and Chloe Cooper, I was also given the chance to collaborate with a local brand, Wildfang, this past year. I am a huge fan of collaborating and believe it is highly beneficial to both parties.

S/: Related to that, how have your peers from graduate school influenced your creative practice?TH: Killjoy has really been a staple for me since graduating. These five women have inspired my practice in many ways. A lot of my paintings are based off of candid moments with these five. I find these fleeting moments to be a beautiful testament to the bond we share and that being able to paint them helps seal the memory to me. Being able to paint something versus just having a photo of the memory is much more intimate to me.

S/: For this series of paintings, what is your process for choosing subject matter?TH: My process typically involves a mish-mash of both personal and found imagery. I tend to work loosely off an image for the first half of a piece then work solely without the image.

S/: What does feminism mean to you?TH: Feminism means learning to see all viewpoints of others and realizing there is just more than one way to live life, it is a constant, evolving practice of self-awareness. As an individual who often quiet and complacent, it is learning to speak up for myself and others.

S/: What is inspiring you right now? A book, an artist, a film, a movement?TH: I am currently captivated by Sarah Sentilles’, Draw Your Weapons. So often as an artist I question if what I am doing has any true importance. Sentilles’ writing helps give me backing and makes me feel like what I am doing through figurative painting does have importance, and is necessary. Beyond feeling encouraged to keep making, Sentilles’ writing about the way we perceive war makes me question the way we treat our bodies mentally and physically for the sake of one’s country. ​S/: What’s next for you?​TH: I am currently working on a series of abstract paintings for a solo show this fall at Jupiter Gallery in Portland.